Baseball Notes

Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria began a public-relations campaign and is trying to put a positive spin on his widely mocked offseason decisions.

After a dismal first season in the Marlins' new home, Loria said Monday the latest dismantling of the roster was the right move because the team was heading in the wrong direction. And he said a return to payroll austerity was needed because the Marlins lost tens of millions of dollars in 2012 after an unprecedented spending spree.

The Marlins hope to sign slugger Giancarlo Stanton to a multiyear contract eventually, Loria said. He said he understands why fans are upset but hopes they will embrace this year's young, unproven team, which many expect to lose 100 games after trading Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and others in the offseason.

DAMON PLEA REJECTED

Johnny Damon may want a return engagement with the Yankees but, as of now, the club doesn't appear interested

“Going to focus on what we have for now,” General Manager Brian Cashman said in an email Monday.

Earlier in the day, on ESPN Radio's “Michael Kay Show,” the 39-year-old former Yankee, who has not officially retired, made a plea to his former team: “I would have tons of interest to go to New York.”

The Yankees, with Curtis Granderson injured, have a need in the outfield, but it's for a right-handed hitter, not a lefty like Damon.

“But I just don't think they would be interested,” Damon said. “I'm not exactly sure what happened over the years or something. They have had plenty of opportunities and I kept raising my hand, wanting to go back and, you know, hopefully it would be a perfect fit. It always had been. Have me for six weeks and then send me off on my merry way.”

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